Those who are experiencing stress brought on by caring for others need to know they're not alone — and that help is on the way.

Caregivers in North Idaho are invited to enroll in the upcoming Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshop series, presented by the Alzheimer's Association and the Area Agency on Aging.

Free virtual classes will be held Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 24 through April 28 to help caregivers learn how to reduce stress, more successfully communicate and navigate family dynamics while making difficult decisions. The classes are designed to build caregivers' confidence as they learn effective problem-solving skills and connect with resources.

"The nice thing about this particular class, even though we are the Alzheimer's Association, this class is open to anybody who has the situation where they're caregiving for anybody with a chronic disease," said P.J. Christo, outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association Washington State Serving Northern Idaho Chapter.

"It was originally designed for people who were struggling with dementia, and what we realized is, it's not about dementia," Christo said. "It's about community, strategies and how to take care of yourself so you can be a better caregiver."

Caregiving for Alzheimer's and dementia patients has become especially difficult during COVID times, as separation and communication inefficiencies are causing more heartache and health problems.

"I’m hearing about all the frustration because this disease is not like any of the other diseases," Christo said.

Window visitations for those in memory care are not the same for other assisted living residents, she said.

"Families will come, but they’re trying to talk to each other through the window, and people with dementia, it makes them more confused," Christo said. "It's frustrating for people with the dementia and for the caregivers involved. It's frustrating for the entire community.

"Our support groups are struggling because people want to meet in person," she said, adding that safety of volunteers, family and those with dementia comes first. Following COVID guidelines, they can only meet online at this time.

"Some support groups are going very well," she said. Earphones and headsets have been helpful with those successes.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers attendees will need internet access and a computer or laptop with a camera to participate in the group Zoom sessions. Registration is mandatory and class size is limited.

For information and to register, call Christo at 208-666-2996.